MODEL RELEASED. Protein research. Technician using an HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) machine in proteomics research. Proteomics is the study of the structure and function of proteins. An HPLC machine separates mixtures, allowing analysis of the individual components. Proteins are the building blocks of the body. All enzymes (chemicals that carry out biochemical reactions in the body) are proteins, and most body tissues are composed largely of proteins also. Studying how every body protein behaves will give a greater understanding of growth, development and health.